Deep Brain Stimulator turned on, 9/11/24! Parkinson's warrior since 2010

Introduction

On September 11, 2024, a patient with Parkinson’s disease underwent an important procedure involving the activation of a Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS). The session began with a series of assessments and exercises to gauge the patient’s current symptoms. Initially, the focus was on finger taps and toe movements, where the physician requested the patient to perform various tasks with both hands and feet. The tremor was noted to be predominantly in the legs that day.

As the physician guided the patient through exercises such as big finger taps and heel stops, they monitored the method of movement closely. The nurse assessed if the patient felt any different sensations in their head or speech. The patient reported feeling some odd sensations in facial muscles and even expressed a slight change in their speech clarity, indicating moments of awkwardness.

During the session, it was highlighted that the tremor in the right leg diminished slightly as the patient became more relaxed, suggesting a correlation between relaxation and reduced tremor activity. The doctor inquired about the patient’s familiarity with their own speech patterns, emphasizing the importance of communication.

As the stimulation continued, the medical team noted fluctuations in the tremor's intensity, discussing whether the changes were due to the stimulation or simply the patient’s state of relaxation. Several check-ins regarding the patient's overall condition indicated that they felt good and were comfortable, despite some minor tremors resurfacing.

The procedure involved adjusting the stimulation levels within the device, which the physician explained had four total levels, with various segments for targeting different areas. Throughout this process, the patient navigated their sensations and experiences, sharing insights into how the stimulation felt, particularly in their hands and fingers.

Ultimately, there were serious observations about the changes in tremors with regard to different current levels. The session concluded with hope and anticipation for continued relief from Parkinson’s symptoms, reinforcing the idea that the Deep Brain Stimulator could significantly enhance the quality of life for this Parkinson's warrior.

Keyword

• Parkinson's Disease
• Deep Brain Stimulator
• Tremors
• Speech Clarity
• Movement Exercises
• Relaxation
• Patient Assessment
• Stimulation Levels
• Quality of Life

FAQ

Q1: What is a Deep Brain Stimulator?
A1: A Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS) is a medical device implanted in the brain that delivers electrical impulses to targeted areas to alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson's Disease.

Q2: How does the DBS affect tremors?
A2: The DBS can help reduce the intensity and frequency of tremors by modulating the electrical activity within the brain, contributing to improved motor control.

Q3: Are there any side effects from using the DBS?
A3: Some patients may experience temporary sensations such as tingling or pulling, and there may be fluctuations in speech clarity or various levels of discomfort during stimulation.

Q4: Is the procedure for activating the DBS painful?
A4: The activation of the DBS is generally not painful; however, individual experiences may vary depending on the person's sensitivity and the specific adjustments made to the device.

Q5: What kind of exercises are performed during the assessment?
A5: Patients typically perform movement exercises such as finger taps, heel stops, and toe taps to evaluate their symptoms and monitor how they respond to stimulation.